This is not a quote from the poetry or break-up letter. It’s a familiar phrase in the mid-80’s / early-90’s generation written by a band they have probably listened to for 500 HUNDRED times on CD and are dying to hear it live for once. And tonight, their wish is granted, ’cause Bullet For My Valentine are finally here!

Since these Welsh rockers came out in 2004, they gradually gained attentions from critics and rock followers; until 2006, they achieved commercial success with smash hit Tears Don’t Fall which turned them into international superstars. Knowing Bullet For My Valentine’s massive popularity in Hong Kong, we expect to see booming sign-a-long and flesh-to-flesh circle pit. Now the show’s over, and this writer tells you, Mr. Matt Tuck & co. have offered what you want because they know exactly what you desire.

And here comes the flawless show… probably TOO perfect that it leaves no scars in your memory for you to recall the heat and the pain. With almost 10 years’ wait, it’s a guarantee this night is gonna take you down the memory lane – all the tears, heartbreaks and teenage angst that BFMV’s songs have get you through. What a celebration to look back at your heydays at a frantic live show!

Kicking off with 2014 new song Raising Hell, the groovy-looking frontman Matt Tuck stepped out from the dark under the choking beats of the intro. The quartet definitely look fully-charged. Followed by Scream Aim Fire and Betrayal, these straight-forward pure rock and roll tunes emphasis on melodies are always the best adrenaline for the ready-to-rock hot-blooded crowd.

From over 10 years’ creation, they have plenty of triumphant hits to fill their world tour set where songs from their latest album Temper, Temper are perfectly slotted into the oldies. The 80-minute rundown is extremely smooth and seems effortless. Despite the fact that Matt’s vocal starts to get husky after half of the set (probably due to his throat surgery during 2006), the band still sound impeccable.

Every strong strike on the strings and heavy kick at the drum drives the crowd insane, but none of those can bring a bigger impact than Tuck’s angry shoutouts. It’s obvious that Bullet For My Valentine have grown so much in these years from a small band trashing around to a stadium act. One thing remains unchanged is their signature heavy metal ballad. There’s always a trace of brutality in the beautifully-crafted melody. One highlight is Matt Tuck’s solo intro of Last Fight giving everyone goosebumps on their waving arms in the air. (You can watch this version in the YouTube video at the bottom)

Yet there’s another wise move which again proves their rockstar status. This time Bullet decide to give you a flashback in 15 minutes of their 10-year career. They have sampled five songs, one from each release (first EP to their latest album) and perform at once seamlessly –Hand of Blood / Room 409 / Hearts Burst into Fire / Begging for Mercy / Riot. This has become an usual track in their recent performance and has received enormous feedback.

POLISHED is the first word and probably the most suitable word that comes up to our minds to sum up the show, from the blasting sound to their edgy postures on stage and even the lingering singalong. Unless you’re looking for a harsh intimate sweaty night which this concert might fail you; otherwise, you would leave the hall with joyful tears and a fulfilled teenage dream.